Down, she said, had been a hard worker throughout his life, did a lot for local charities and had health problems.

But, addressing Down, Judge John Neligan said he had abused a position of trust.

"There is no evidence of you being a significant risk to others, and you have committed no similar offences in the past 40 years," he said. "But there has to be immediate custody to recognise that sexual offences committed against teenagers is very serious."

In a statement, Down's victim said he now led an isolated and lonely existence following the abuse.